Previous part: INTRODUCTION – (Pt.1/3)
THE CLAIM: “SPACE EXPLORATION IS NOT IMPORTANT” as a showcase of science illiteracy
Space exploration is an incredibly significant and fascinating subject that I am truly passionate about. In the previous paragraph, I briefly touched upon the issue of science illiteracy and its relevance to pandemics. However, in order to delve deeper into this matter, I will be dedicating Part 3 of this discussion to explore the consequences of scientific illiteracy in that particular case. It is a topic that demands attention, as it sheds light on the current state of society’s understanding and appreciation of scientific knowledge.
“We were wanderers from the beginning”- Carl Sagan[1]
When reflecting upon a scientifically informed mindset, it is fascinating to note the misguided perspectives of the public towards space exploration and the potential colonization of other planets [2]. I firmly believe that considering space exploration as “time and money thrown away” is one of such perspectives. Therefore, I am convinced of the need to reanalyze and expand upon my previous article in regard to science illiteracy that plagues this specific area of human existence. By delving into the significance of space exploration, as well as exploration in general, I will try to demonstrate its undeniable importance.
Space exploration has been the subject of criticism, even from well-educated individuals, particularly those in the social sciences. It is concerning to note that some within my academic community (law scholars) have expressed discontent towards various aspects of space exploration without fully considering the potential long-term implications that could arise if the pursuit of scientific inquiry in space were abandoned.
The limited appreciation for the essential nature of fundamental sciences and the profound implications of scientific research and exploration hampers our collective understanding of the significant advancements enabled by space programs throughout history. These programs have not only contributed to our daily lives, but also played a vital role in mitigating environmental damage, preserving wildlife, and tackling various global challenges. The portfolio is extensive, ranging from groundbreaking medical research to effective strategies for minimizing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. It also dives into cutting-edge technologies, practical and eco-friendly solutions, in-depth knowledge about Earth’s climate, and emerging job markets. These explorations have uncovered invaluable insights and innovations that have become so ingrained in our lives that we often take them for granted.
In various fields such as space exploration, medicine, engineering, biotechnology, and oceanography, it is quite surprising to witness well-educated individuals, particularly social scholars, utilizing an unscientific and irrational approach when describing the endeavors that occur within these areas. Such tendencies can impede progress and hinder the advancement of knowledge in these important disciplines.
Why colonize other planets instead of saving this one first?
In the spirit of evolutionary thought, the survival of every living being is deeply intertwined with the imperative of exploring and acquiring new living spaces. The ability to adapt to ongoing changes becomes the key determining factor in ensuring their continued existence. As we discussed previously, the sobering example of marine life contending with the omnipresence of plastic serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of adaptation in the face of adversity. In the dynamic web of life, both animals and plants continually strive to navigate and adapt to environmental shifts. This process is driven by the incessant changes that occur naturally, such as the movement of tectonic plates. The ability of a species to successfully find new habitats, where it can thrive and swiftly adapt to occupy empty ecological niches, ultimately determines its chances for survival. Understanding this fundamental principle is key to comprehending the intricacies of evolutionary dynamics. Humans, being a part of the animal kingdom, possess a remarkable instinct for survival. This deeply ingrained biological drive continues to shape our fascination with space exploration. Just like any other species, we are primed to respond to natural or self-induced events that threaten our existence. However, what sets us apart is our ability to perceive and understand the world at a profound cognitive level. Through this lens, our relentless pursuit of space exploration becomes not just an ambition but a testament to the extraordinary depths of human curiosity and ingenuity. As the most advanced species on Earth, we possess a unique ability to deeply comprehend our nature and possess the foresight to plan for our future. This remarkable capability empowers us to embrace the essential concepts of evolution and adapt to the ever-changing world around us. Consequently, any critic of space exploration must first grasp these foundational principles to fully appreciate how it exemplifies our innate survival instinct and our proactive efforts to safeguard against potential extinction events. Harnessing the full potential of our cognitive abilities goes beyond mere procreation and indulging in idealistic daydreams, such as fantasizing about a self-sufficient lifestyle. Some assert that modern technology is unnecessary, asserting that all we require for a sustainable and enriching existence are a handful of plants and seeds. While the idea of a world where everyone lives harmoniously in a self-sustaining environment may sound appealing, the reality is far more complex. With a global population approaching 8 billion people [3], reverting back to a pre-industrial, hunter-gatherer society is simply not a viable option. Our progress and advancements in various sectors have provided us with countless benefits and opportunities that cannot be overlooked. Surely, we should consider exploring alternative ideas that involve shifting our economic strategies away from consumerism and towards sustainable anti-consumerist approaches. Embracing a mindset focused on caring for crucial natural habitats and embarking on endeavors like becoming a space-faring species can prove to be highly promising. The exploration of the universe and the pursuit of reaching beyond our earthly boundaries is a testament to the extraordinary potential of the human spirit. It serves as a catalyst for advancements in fields such as chemistry, biology, and various scholarly disciplines, enabling us to tackle pressing environmental and social challenges with unwavering determination right here on Earth. As we embark on our journey to unravel the mysteries of the universe, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of innovative and sustainable technologies. In this era of boundless scientific exploration, the immense potential for addressing pressing issues and ensuring our future survival becomes apparent. Already, science has provided us with numerous solutions and insights. Yet, the path to implementation may present formidable challenges in certain domains.
It is essential to address the misconception that all societal problems can be solely attributed to incompetent or corrupt governments or specific industries. While it is true that these entities have their shortcomings, it is important to recognize that they also play a crucial role in maintaining a functioning society. They provide the necessary infrastructure, services, and products that alleviate numerous challenges and compensate for various evolutionary mismatches. Without such organizations, attempting to organize billions of people in a predominantly peaceful manner would likely result in failure. Therefore, any exploration of our nature in modern times, whether it be in space, geology, medicine, or any other field, must be well organized and controlled. This is the area where the absence of scientific literacy shows its effects. Instead of understanding the need for such organizations and institutions, people, especially those who irrationally mistrust any kind of authority, tend to ignore the positive contributions they bring. Organizations and institutions are led by individuals who may have their own viewpoints, interests, and plans, yet it does not necessarily mean that the organization itself will easily introduce dangerous or insecure services or products just because a CEO desires it. Certainly, one essential aspect of organizations is their capacity to efficiently organize, evaluate, and share knowledge. Numerous institutions offer unrestricted access to a wide array of scientific papers. When it comes to space exploration, delving into authentic scientific research and analysis pertaining to potential solutions that impact energy consumption, lifestyles, and more, leads to the realization that the progression of space technologies and the realization of interplanetary initiatives can significantly contribute to resolving our environmental, societal, and other challenges.
It is evident that our current challenges do not arise from elaborate conspiracy hypotheses involving industries like pharmaceuticals or fossil fuels. Instead, they usually stem from our own human nature. It is our tendency to turn a blind eye to pressing issues, preferring the comfort of ignorance. When leaders within these industries exist in a cognitive bubble and vehemently reject the undeniable connection between burning fossil fuels and its impact on the Earth’s climate, it is unsurprising that they continue with business as usual. There is no need to attribute their actions to malicious conspiracies; rather, it is the result of complacency and a failure to acknowledge harsh reality. In other words: they are also human. In a world where the public consumes media outlets that cater to their preferred beliefs, it is important to recognize the influence of confirmational pseudoscientific biases. These outlets often provide quick answers packaged in a way that sounds true, without thoroughly examining scientific research. Consequently, any organization or institution offering public services or products can be unjustly labelled as part of a global conspiracy, regardless of the integrity of its leadership and long lasting pedigree. Addressing our problems by simply relying on generalizations and avoiding in-depth research is an approach that may seem easier at first glance. However, this method is both lazy and fallacious. Instead, we should always delve into scientific papers that explore the specific effects of space exploration on human society in detail. It is quite astonishing when individuals who are often regarded as academics assert that “space exploration is a mere waste of money” or “we must abstain from venturing into the great unknown.” Such assertions are typical showcase of scientific illiteracy and a dearth of understanding regarding the invaluable significance of fundamental scientific research. Without a doubt, the presence of universities and faculties, particularly in the realm of social sciences, is intricately linked to the culmination of our past and ongoing scientific achievements in fields such as (astro)physics, chemistry, and biology. These disciplines pave the way for a more profound understanding of society and ensure that social studies transcend mere philosophical speculation.
Consideration of the long-term perspective reveals another intriguing aspect. It compels us to contemplate the profound timescales associated with both evolution and cosmic events. For instance, it is widely accepted that our universe has existed for approximately 14 billion years, while our solar system has formed a mere 4.5 billion years ago. When we apply this cosmic perspective, it becomes evident that the emergence of life forms such as humans necessitates an extensive span of time. This arises from the inherent turbulence and precarious nature of the universe, which often resets or obliterates potential habitats where life could potentially thrive. Throughout the vast history of our planet, there have been five mass extinction events with the most devastating one known as the Permian extinction, which occurred 250 million years ago. This cataclysmic event nearly eradicated all life on Earth. Additionally, even the sun itself follows a natural life cycle that will eventually have a profound impact on our planet in a few hundred million years. While some may dismiss these immense timescales, confidently stating that we will find a way to survive, natural mass extinctions can still occur unexpectedly, and in many instances, we are contributing to environmental changes that could potentially lead down a similar path. In order to ensure our survival, we should take action immediately. We cannot simply entrust this responsibility to future generations. We must proactively develop a robust planetary defense system against potentially catastrophic meteors and comets. Additionally, we should strive to acquire the means to leave the planet successfully, should we be unable to deflect or protect ourselves from mass extinction events. Unfortunately, many individuals fail to consider these crucial matters or dismiss them all along. Absolutely crucial is the recognition that the development and execution of these projects may require significant time, ranging from decades to even centuries. This time frame, unfortunately, may not always align with our immediate needs. It would be truly regrettable if we were to disregard the remarkable gift of evolution bestowed upon us—the human brain—and resign it to an inevitable extinction from external forces, if not self-inflicted. Earth, with its abundant life, is a precious jewel in the vast expanse of the universe. As the only species possessing the capacity and capability to ensure the continuation of life, even beyond the confines of our solar system or planet, it becomes our immense responsibility to preserve and protect it. Our intellect, a product of the same evolutionary process that shaped all other life forms, holds the potential to ensure the perpetuity of life itself. One of the most effective strategies to alleviate the strain on Earth’s delicate ecosystem is to facilitate human colonization of other celestial bodies. Through progressive advances in technology, we can gradually work towards achieving more viable interplanetary travel, which in turn necessitates solving key challenges concerning energy [4], food production, and conservation. As our industries expand beyond the confines of our planet, it is not necessarily limited to settling on other planets, but rather signifies a significant step forward in our quest for sustainable development.
I assume people would now say: “Oh, now we want to pollute another planet” [this is, by the way, a reaction according to fallacious “common sense” reasoning]. This statement is surely fallacious because it implies the existence of an already developed bio-environment on another celestial object. According to present scientific data, such an object could not be found anywhere, at least not in our solar system. If there is nothing to pollute, how can one pollute it at all? We cannot seriously make a claim that we can pollute, for example, a star or the Moon. According to one of many definitions, “Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash. They can also be created by human activity, such as trash or runoff produced by factories. Pollutants damage the quality of air, water, and land.”[5] That does not mean we still cannot litter. Yes, we could, and instead of making the claim that we would pollute, littering[6] would be a more appropriate term. Yet, littering would cause problems only for us. A sterile celestial object does not care about a few satellites crashed on its surface.
As we soar higher and higher, our relentless pursuit of innovation drives us to continuously enhance our technology and tools, forging a path towards greater efficiency and environmental sustainability. Meticulously refining each step of the rocket building process empowers us to push the boundaries of technological advancement, as we test and validate cutting-edge solutions in the unforgiving vacuum of space. Space exploration has had a profound impact on the development of everyday-applied technology. Over time, through rigorous research and development, it has led to significant advancements in various fields. These advancements, such as the reduction of overall energy consumption, have greatly benefited society. Without the continuous efforts and discoveries in space exploration, the timeline for refining existing technologies would undoubtedly be much longer. Energy-inefficient tools and appliances would remain in circulation for extended periods, leading to a substantial increase in global energy consumption when coupled with population growth.
Some folks say we don’t really need space programs to come up with cool innovations. They argue that we can just do everything right here on Earth. But let’s be real, it’s not as easy as it sounds! Sure, we can try to simulate a gravity-free environment to test things out, but it’s not the same as actually being up there. Plus, we’d have to keep the equipment running all the time, which means dealing with constant energy needs and maintenance. [7] Implementing such a solution would come with a high cost and inefficiency, making it unattractive for further development. In order to obtain valuable by-products from major innovations, there needs to be a strong motivation and sufficient investment of time and resources. The ability to simulate specific environments, such as space, is limited in providing a comprehensive understanding of all the complexities associated with such endeavors. As already mentioned, many tools and technologies have emerged as direct results of space exploration, enhancing our safety and overall efficiency in various aspects of life. These advancements have significantly contributed even to ideas like self-sufficiency!
The mere thought of venturing into the depths of space and colonizing celestial objects seems to be smeared with fear and pessimism. Detractors often raise the fallacious argument that history will repeat itself, drawing parallels to the European colonization of the New World. But is it really fair to assume that mankind is doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? Surely not, and this is a rather overblown accusation. There are a few points to be mentioned here.
First, when it comes to migration and the search for resources, humans are simply following a deeply ingrained instinct shared by all living beings. Throughout history, our ancestors have constantly sought out new, fertile lands and abundant resources to thrive, prosper and of course to show their power. Today is no different. With our ever-expanding needs and desires, the exploration and migration of humans to new territories is not just inevitable, but also an integral part of our nature. Rest assured, this relentless pursuit will continue to shape our future as it has shaped our past.
Second, throughout history, it is important to recognize that Native tribes were not fundamentally different from Europeans in terms of their social dynamics. Despite their cultural and geographical distinctions, they were members of the same human species and exhibited similar behavioral patterns. When considering their interactions within their own communities or with other groups, their conduct was influenced by their social and technological advancements. Human social groups, regardless of their geographical location, exhibit comparable behavior when they reach a certain level of societal and technological development. For instance, research has shown that some Native tribes migrated across the ancient Beringian strait approximately 13,000 years ago, entering what is now known as North America. [8] The nature of their interactions and how they influenced their new environment during this time remains a topic of ongoing research and discussion. While it is often assumed that these native tribes lived harmoniously with one another, it is important to recognize that tribal dynamics, including competitive encounters and armed conflicts, were inevitable for their survival. Native populations across all continents displayed varying degrees of aggression towards one another, irrespective of later European contact.
In most cases migrants from Europe arrived on the shores of the new land with the belief that they were its sole inhabitants. The unexpected encounter with native tribes sparked astonishment on both sides. Inevitably, the fear of the unfamiliar led to conflicts and the bleak prospect of a strained relationship between the two groups. European expansion indeed had significant consequences, including the emergence of conflicts and the spread of diseases. [9] It is important to dispel the simplistic notion that Native Americans were inherently peaceful and in perfect harmony with nature, while Europeans were solely motivated by a desire to eradicate them. Such a view oversimplifies a complex and multifaceted historical narrative. The notion that space exploration activities are primarily undertaken by Caucasians, and that this is used as an argument to portray them as destructive forces, is a gross misinterpretation of entire human history [10]. Is it really logical to claim that space exploration should be viewed as inherently destructive? Just because some recent aspects of Caucasian-European history may have had negative impacts on the environment, does that mean every form of exploration should be categorized as destructive? This line of thinking seems both baseless and exaggerated. To single out one cultural group as the primary perpetrators of harm while painting others as innocent and blameless is a simplistic and risky oversimplification. Conflict dynamics often involve a cycle of escalating tension and actions between opposing parties. Once a conflict has commenced, various factors can exacerbate the divide between each side. An example of this would be when a victim, instead of the aggressor, starts to retaliate or escalate the conflict. In such cases, the aggressor may seize upon this as a rationale for perpetuating their aggressive behavior, thus perpetuating the cycle of conflict. The dynamics between the Spaniards and the Aztecs serve as a compelling illustration. Deep-seated animosity existed between the two groups, fueled by the Aztecs’ raids on Spanish settlements, where unfortunate individuals were chosen as sacrificial offerings to their deities. It was this history of clashes that propelled Cortez on his determined march, resulting in the eventual devastation of the revered Aztec religious city of Cholula. Yet amidst these accounts of conflict, it is critical to acknowledge the tragic impact of new diseases, which played a significant role in decimating native populations across the American continents.
Certain Indigenous tribes established expansive settlements, which faced numerous social, structural, and environmental challenges akin to densely populated regions. These factors potentially contributed to the downfall of these cities and civilizations. Several hypotheses have been put forth, including drought, intra-tribal conflicts, diseases, and other factors, which should not be solely attributed to external forces. [11] The Mayan civilization serves as a poignant example of the challenges and complexities faced by ancient cultures. Centuries ago, this advanced society experienced the devastating impact of an unprecedented drought that wreaked havoc on their lands. However, the drought alone was not solely responsible for their decline. The Maya grappled with a multitude of intertwined factors, including overpopulation, shifting trade routes, environmental degradation, warfare, and seismic activities. These circumstances unfolded long before the arrival of Europeans, highlighting the intricate nature of historical events and their lasting repercussions. The impact of diseases brought by European expansion on the indigenous populations of the New World is a somber and undeniable reality. It is important to acknowledge that these diseases would have eventually reached the continent even without direct contact with Europeans. In an article titled “How Much Land Do You Need to Be Self-Sufficient?,” the author highlights the challenging living conditions of isolated native tribes who still rely on traditional healing practices, as they lack access to modern medicine. The devastating consequences and historical injustices resulting from European colonization were real, yet we must also consider the complex dynamics surrounding the spread of diseases during that time. One should not simply overblow any accusations or make assumptions without pointing to factual references, just for the sake of an argument.
The preservation of nature and the avoidance of destruction are undoubtedly important goals. However, we must also recognize that certain scientific principles, such as the laws of thermodynamics, dictate that some level of impact and alteration in the natural world is unavoidable. Even the most conscientious individuals cannot exist without exerting some influence on their surroundings. Our very existence, with its intricate bodily functions and complex social interactions, contributes to the overall entropy of the universe. While we should strive to minimize our negative impact, we must also accept that complete avoidance of any alteration is not within the realm of possibility.
The costs of such endeavors are too high in comparison to their effective usefulness!
I must express my strong disagreement with a particular claim that often arises among social scholars – the notion that we are investing too much in space programs. As an individual well-versed in the social sciences, I find it imperative to highlight the immense value that space exploration brings to our understanding of nature and our own existence. In fact, I would claim that space exploration provides us with far more profound insights than social scholarly pursuits combined. It is disheartening that such criticisms are not levied against social fields like economics, political science, and law, which often receive significant funding. Unlike some social scholars, I commend natural scientists for their humility and recognize the vast contributions they make to our collective knowledge. I would argue that space exploration and the exploration of nature overall are the most effective scientific activities that directly affect our well-being and demystify wrong understandings of the world we live in.[12] It unequivocally instills a sense of reverence for the awe-inspiring marvels of nature. As elucidated earlier, the invaluable contributions of core sciences in uncovering discoveries and pioneering innovations substantially shape the foundations of scholarly disciplines, underscoring their indispensable role in shaping our understanding of the world.
For example, to understand how social group interactions emerge and function, or which psychological elements postulate criminal responsibility, we first have to understand and learn something about our cognition, i.e. about our brain. In that regard, I will portray a chain of dependent events between science and scholarly disciplines that, in simplified terms, explains my statement: At first, we have to start with a (particle) physicist who, in their quest for new discoveries, must create new and more precise instruments. Some of these new instruments and technical solutions, along with the new discoveries, will find their applications in fields such as biochemistry and neuroscience. These sciences will then strive to reveal and explain the brain’s biochemical processes. Some of their findings could be relevant, for example, to questions about criminal (un)accountability. If this is the case, it would usually lead to a better understanding of how individual decision-making processes work. Now, if psychology and psychiatry make use of the information obtained from scientists, a paradigm-changing discovery in these fields could occur. As a result, this could impact a vast number of scholarly theories (e.g., in criminology) which would have to be accordingly adjusted.
Each time when a core scientific discovery reveals something profound about our cognitive apparatus, scholarly disciplines are compelled [so to speak] to shift their current understandings toward a new paradigm concerning human interaction. An important aspect of this is, as previously suggested, that scholarly disciplines are unable to make such paradigm-changing discoveries by themselves.[13] I studied law, for instance, and I am very aware of this fact. However, my assertions are not here to undermine the importance of scholarly disciplines in some specific areas of human existence. Though, one must be honest about the fact that we [social scholars] depend on core scientific fields far more than they depend on ours.
Back to the benefits of space exploration. There are many benefits that are part of our daily routine that we often take for granted. The list is too long to address properly here; however, a few examples must be mentioned (see picture below). [14]
Numerous space programs have consistently pushed the boundaries of human achievement. One remarkable example of such pioneering spirit is the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope [15]. This extraordinary endeavor involved the collaboration of thousands of brilliant individuals, as well as the invaluable contributions of small and medium-sized businesses. Over the course of a decade, this monumental project took shape, embodying the epitome of creativity and teamwork. From the inception of space travel, each subsequent space mission has not only created countless job opportunities, but also fostered the development of cutting-edge technologies. Undoubtedly, there is no activity quite as captivating and inspiring as space exploration in times of peace, for it propels our collective progress and ignites the flame of human curiosity.
Pollution caused by space exploration is too high!
Well, this claim is indeed easy to debunk. One could indeed say “no, it is not too high.” I will try to simplify it as much as possible. If we compare the emissions per passenger of an average rocket and a Boeing 747, one can easily admit that the rocket pollutes significantly more. However, the difference in the number of plane flights and rocket flights per year plays a bigger role here. According to calculations made by Everyday Astronaut, in the year 2018 there were 37,800,000 commercial flights and only 114 orbital launches. This means that there were 331,579 times more plane flights than rocket launches. Based on this, he concludes:
“… emissions from all commercial aviation in 2018 totaled 918,000,000 tonnes of CO2. Compare that to the 22,780 tonnes from the aerospace industry in that same year, and we realize that you would have to fly 40,300 times more rockets per year to equal the output of airliners. That is 4,594,200 rocket launches a year, or 12,586 launches per day. And that is assuming the same ratio of dirty solids, hypergolic or kerolox rockets that we had in 2018, rather than the trend we are seeing towards cleaner methalox or hydrolox alternatives.
…
And now I think it is time we put airliners into perspective, since we have been using them as the benchmark for CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions from the airline industry were only 2.4% of global CO2 emissions!!! So that means in 2018, the global CO2 output of rockets was only 0.0000059% of all CO2 emissions. In other words, there are a lot bigger fish to fry. Worrying about the current CO2 output of rockets compared to the rest of the world’s contributors would be like worrying about and focusing on a single leaf in a forest fire. There are much worse offenders we should be focusing on.”[16]
So much about the “rockets pollute too much” claim. I will rest my case here and strongly recommend reading the full article because it is much better written than I could ever write here. It is extremely informative and can be easily regarded as a very well-executed science communication text about rocket science.
Exploration itself has nothing to do with altruism!
Here I would like to start with the following quote: “Common rationales for exploring space include advancing scientific research, national prestige, uniting different nations, ensuring the future survival of humanity, and developing military and strategic advantages against other countries.”[17]
As stated above, space exploration serves a monumental purpose among others: uniting nations and securing the future survival of humanity. Unlike many other human activities, the quest for space unifies us in our collective endeavor. While not all private space companies might embrace these noble ideals, they remain integral to the essence of exploration beyond our earthly domain.[18]
Space exploration, as other scientific endeavors, is a field that encompasses the efforts of numerous dedicated scientists from various space organizations. Their collective mission revolves around addressing present and future challenges that humanity encounters. The pursuit of space exploration offers manifold advantages, as I previously mentioned. If we hold the view that only purely altruistic activities with optimal resource allocation deserve our support and attention, we must apply this criterion universally to all scientific endeavors. In doing so, we would find that even social research activities would be negated. Thus, it is essential to recognize that the underlying motivation for most scientific exploration is primarily altruistic, solidary or adventurous. The fact that scientists receive compensation for their work or that their findings may be misused for less noble purposes does not negate their genuine selflessness. To assert otherwise would be fallacious.
In the pursuit of knowledge, many brilliant scientists have been fueled by a strong sense of altruism and empowerment of the human species. Their passion for discovery has left an indelible mark on the organizations they were a part of. Take the esteemed astrophysicist, Carl Sagan, for example. His groundbreaking work with NASA’s Voyager 1 and 2 missions not only expanded our understanding of the cosmos but also ignited a profound appreciation for our planet’s preciousness. Sagan’s dedication to public science communication inspired optimism and emphasized the importance of cherishing and safeguarding our fragile home. His famous speech “Pale Blue Dot,” [19] which should be taught in every school on Earth, is an epitome of altruism and care for other living beings. Virologist Jonas Salk, who created the first polio vaccine, shared his research with the whole world, literally.[20] Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie, Sir Isaac Newton, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Nikola Tesla, Michael Faraday, Albert Einstein, Alexander Fleming, Inge Lehmann, Vera Rubin, Dmitri Mendeleev, Rosalind Franklin, Lise Meitner, Stephen Hawking, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Steven Weinberg, etc., are some of the renowned scientists who have greatly contributed to our understanding of the world. There are also living legends like Richard Dawkins, Sir David Attenborough, Lisa Randall, Arthur Bruce McDonald, Donna Strickland, Andre Geim, Kip Stephen Thorne, Lawrence M. Krauss, Heather Berlin, and many others. The list is extensive, encompassing scientists and engineers who, undoubtedly driven by the altruistic desire to explore, have expanded our collective knowledge. There are social scholars, philosophers, and thinkers too, who, out of the same inquisitive impulse, gave us some new social concepts, questions, and answers; e.g., Francesco Petrarca, René Descartes, David Hume, Hannah Arendt, Bertrand Russell, James Randi, Noam Chomsky, Daniel Dennett, Baruch Spinoza, Steven Pinker, etc. All of them certainly did not have a beautiful and friendly personality. It would be unreasonable to make such a sweeping statement. However, it is important to acknowledge that one can still come across individuals who possess a charming personality, yet lack true altruism and vice versa.
Suppose, for a moment, that we delve into the notion that space exploration possesses no inherent altruistic qualities. In such a case, we would be compelled, by sheer logic, to extend this claim to every other activity undertaken by humanity, be it individual or collective in nature.
At the end, I’ll finish with one personal and rather cynical/arrogant remark, and then, in conclusion, I will quote Stephen Hawking once more: “Yes, space exploration is worth every penny and even more valuable than we, as a species, truly deserve, considering our relationship with those who invest their whole lives and resources to improve our everyday communication tools, from which we have obtained the ability to complain about the inefficiency of the exploration itself!”
“We need to explore the solar system to find out where humans could live. In a way, the situation is like that in Europe before 1492. People might well have argued that it was a waste of money to send Columbus on a wild goose chase. Yet the discovery of the New World made a profound difference to the Old. … It won’t solve any of our immediate problems on planet Earth, but it will give us a new perspective on them and cause us to look outwards rather than inwards. Hopefully, it will unite us to face the common challenge.”[21]
Next part: SOCIAL REACTIONS ON (ANY)PANDEMIC AS A SHOWCASE OF SCIENTIFIC ILLITERACY (Pt.3/3)
[1] These are the words that astrophysicist Carl Sagan used at beginning of his book Pale Blue Dot; Carl Sagan: Pale Blue Dot: A vision of the human future in space (New York, Ballentine Books; 1997).
[2] Here I count all activities made by public and some private space agencies (e.g. SpaceX) which are making huge steps toward better understanding of nature and pushing further development in perfecting of many known and future technologies.
[3] World Population Clock: 7.9 Billion People (2021) – Worldometer (worldometers.info); ; last time acquired 08.12.2021
[4] Such projects are already underway. The “ITER” (What is ITER?) is one of the boldest projects, concerning production of energy based on Tokamak fusion reactor (High-field pathway to fusion power | Research | MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center); Why the promise of nuclear fusion is no longer a pipe dream – BBC Science Focus Magazine; last time acquired 08.12.2021
[5] pollution | National Geographic Society
[6] Litter Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
[7] For now, we deal with zero gravity planes for a few seconds. We came up with this solution because we wanted to fly higher and into space. Without the motivation to overcome obstacles in one grand idea, one cannot expect to come up with an effective solution for the grand idea itself at all.
[8] Ancient DNA confirms Native Americans’ deep roots in North and South America | Science | AAAS; last time acquired: 02.01.2019
[9] Brief History of Syphilis (nih.gov); last time acquired: 23.07.2016
[10] One does not have to be a historian in order to understand that conflicts occur everywhere. In Africa or Asia for instance there are ongoing conflicts that predates any European presence or influence.
[11] i.e. Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory. (nationalgeographic.com); last time acquired 08.12.2021
[12] An Example: About costs and Benefits of space exploration: Is It Worth It? the Costs and Benefits of Space Exploration (interestingengineering.com); last time acquired 10.12.2021
[13] We are simply unable to make certain (mathematical) future predictions about social processes, like the general theory of relativity did concerning gravitational waves (LIGO Project). At best, what we can do is emphasize the most probable outcome based on overall historical experience. As an exemplary argument for this claim, one can simply take a vast number of political secession movements which usually ended in bloodshed, yet there are those which ended extremely peacefully as well. It means that the higher the level of certainty in scientific prediction, the closer the specific discipline is to the spectrum of core sciences.
[14] Space race: Inventions we use every day were created for outer space (usatoday.com) and infographicsuploadsinfographicsfull11358.jpg (1000×8783) (d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net); last time acquired 10.12.2021
[15] James Webb Space Telescope Launch Media Kit (nasa.gov); last time acquired 26.12.2021
[16] How much do rockets pollute? | Everyday Astronaut; last time acquired 10.12.2021
[17] Roston, Michael (28 August 2015). “NASA’s Next Horizon in Space”. The New York Times; Retrieved 28 August 2015
[18] One need only to look at the inventions they are making. For example, SpaceX could easily do less in inventing and improving technology and still be one of the strongest private space organizations. Yet, the reality shows something else: new, more effective, and nature-friendly engines, energy conservation technologies, and solutions. Simply put, such companies compete with themselves!
[19] “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every “superstar,” every “supreme leader,” every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there–on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.
The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.
Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.
The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand.
It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.! — Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994; https://www.planetary.org/worlds/pale-blue-dot; last time acquired 10.12.2021
[20] https://www.salk.edu/about/history-of-salk/jonas-salk/; last time acquired 10.12.2021
[21] Stephen Hawking: Brief answers to the big questions (London, John Murray (publishers); 2020); pp.165-166.
Scientifically Literate Junction 
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